Having a good roof is one of the most important aspect of your house. Given the recent weather events experienced in the Greater Toronto area such as flash floods and ice storms, roofs are put to the test more often than before. To protect your valuable assets, you must ensure your roof is still at optimal performance by doing regular maintenance, inspections and most importantly, replacing a roof that is close to the end of its shelf life.

Roofing materials have average life expectancies based on the manufacturers quality standards. However, there are outside factors that can shorten the roof’s life expectancy. Below are the 5 most common elements to look out for:

1. Weather conditions
   Although the roofing system is built to withstand rain, wind, snow & ice, however, prolonged exposures to these elements will eventually wear down the roof. As well, high winds may tear off or damage shingles while the weight of snow and ice can cause cave-ins in addition to blocking gutters and drainage systems.
2. Sun
   As with our skin, the UV rays from the sun is harmful to the roof. Exposure to these rays over time will cause shingles & roofing materials to deteriorate.
3. Ventilation
   Proper ventilation is necessary to avoid moisture build up through condensation. If air does not circulate correctly, moisture accumulates thus weakening and rotting roof materials.
4. Material quality
   Different roofing materials each have their own life expectancies. If properly installed and regularly maintained, the material should run its expected course of time. See the next section for life expectancies for common sloped roof materials.
5. Quality of workmanship
   Nothing is more important than hiring experienced and professional roofers who produce quality work that is to code. Your roofing system is as good as the person installing it, even if you purchase the best material that has a long lifespan. If it is installed by inexperienced or unprofessional roofers, the whole roofing system may be compromised and unexpected repairs will arise, costing you additional time and money.

There are many roofing materials in the market, each boosting its own advantages. In Ontario where our four seasons are explicitly defined, our roofs have to withstand a tremendous amount of wear and tear. From snow and ice storms to extreme heat and heavy rain, there are popular roofing materials that Ontario residents will favor over others such as shingles, slate and copper. Below are the life expectancies for each material:

*in ideal conditions

Depending on the style, roof type and budget, one roofing material may be a better choice than another. Since the roof is one of the most important structure of a house, take some time to consult with a reputable roofing company before you decide on a roofing material. At Nailed It Roofing & Constructions, we can help you define which roofing material is the most suitable for your needs. Contact us today to speak to one of our knowledgeable roof experts.

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